Food Safety Interventions Information
Click on the links below to access information on interventions available at each stage of the meat production process
| Contents Page | Introduction to Interventions | On Farm | Processing - hide on | Processing - hide off | Chilling | Packaging or Retail |
Activated Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring antimicrobial found in milk, saliva and tears, and in trace quantities in meat tissue. A USA company, aLF Ventures, has gained approval for the application of an activated form of lactoferrin (ALF) for carcasses – Activin™. The ‘activation’ of lactoferrin is a patented process. ALF can be sprayed onto a carcass to help prevent bacterial contamination during processing or it can be applied to a subprimal or finished beef surface prior to final packaging. The recommended level is 2%. It is reported to improve the safety of beef and poultry by interfering with adhesion/colonization, detaches microorganisms from biological surfaces, inhibits multiplication, and neutralizes the activity of endotoxins
Download more information on Activated Lactoferrin
| INTERVENTION SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
Location |
Post slaughter treatment of carcass, or at packaging or retail |
Intervention Type |
Surface treatment of product |
Treatment Time |
No-rinse application |
Regulations |
Approved in the US, not in the EU or Australia |
Effectiveness |
Reported to be good |
Likely Cost |
Likely to be high capital cost. Activin is a patented process aid that is electrostatically sprayed onto carcasses in a uniquely engineered spray cabinet |
Value for Money |
Likely to be good after initial outlay |
Plant or Process Changes |
Minimal process changes Significant equipment changes – special cabinet required |
Environmental Impact |
Lactoferrin may interfere with effluent treatment through its antibacterial and iron-binding properties |
Occupational Health and Safety |
No hazards documented |
Advantages |
No effect on taste, colour or nutritional quality of the product |
Disadvantages or Limitations |
High capital outlay |
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